C.G. Jung Society, Seattle

John R. Van Eenwyk, Ph.D.

Psychoid: The Chaotic Dynamics of Individuation

Jung referred to the realm of the psyche wherein mind and body overlap as psychoid. Today science expands our understanding of the psychoid realm, where mind and body influence and modify each other.

Recent discoveries in genetics, microbiology and biochemistry have increased our understanding of the most basic dynamics of physical processes, especially those that influence how we perceive, process and respond to the world around us. Might those discoveries illuminate how ego and unconscious work together to further individuation?

The Event Horizon of the Mind

Tonight we’ll explore how psyche and matter fold into one another. We’ll review
how the smallest molecules have enormous effects on us. We’ll see how
physical processes possess a consciousness greater than the ego’s. Finally, we’ll
discover why so many psychotherapeutic techniques are doomed to failure.

This workshop will look at how the unconscious deals with life’s challenges, both before consciousness forms and afterwards, in those instances when consciousness can neither understand nor cope with the chaos of life. We’ll use those insights to transform the chaos in our lives into successful individuation.

Learning Objectives:1) To gain understanding of what Jung meant by the psychoid realm.
2) To gain understanding of the relationship between psyche and matter and explore how they fold into one another.
3) Explore ways the unconscious deals with life’s challenges and how these insights transform chaos into successful individuation.

Dr. John R. Van Eenwyk is a Clinical Psychologist and Jungian Analyst in private practice, an ordained Priest in the Episcopal Church and a Clinical Instructor at the University of Washington School of Medicine. He is the founder and Clinical Director of the International Trauma Treatment Program. The author of Archetypes and Strange Attractors: The Chaotic World of Symbols and Clinical Chaos: The Strange Attractors of Childhood Trauma, he publishes widely and lectures internationally on both Jungian psychology and the treatment of torture survivors.